Swollen head. Abscess?

[alinas2010]

How is she doing tonight?

Does she have a smell about her head that could indicate Coryza?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

No cuts or wounds that I can see.

No sign of injury or a sting

Can you please take another look at the back of her comb?

Looks like some scabs/injury to the comb to me, perhaps I'm mistaken.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Can you please take another look at the back of her comb?

Looks like some scabs/injury to the comb to me, perhaps I'm mistaken.

View attachment 4016125

Yes, I was just about to ask about that spot. It looks like a scab to me too. I would apply a warm compress there if she were mine.

I had a cat once that developed a bite abscess. Didn't see it until it was huge and the cat was acting lethargic. Placed a warm compress on the swelling and almost immediately the abscess started draining. Poor guy felt better right away.

 

[Vita1910]

I think this is the best explanation of the problem. I washed the base of the comb at the back of her head and, yes, there’s a scab.
I washed it and applied antiseptic ointment.
Thankfully she is happy and active, eating and drinking.
Let’s hope the swelling starts to go down quickly.

 

[Eggcessive]

Let us know how she gets along or if she develops other symptoms. There is an avian meta virus that can cause swollen head syndrome, but the scabs point to some pecking.

 

[Vita1910]

It’s pecking that is the problem.
She was the dominant one of the 3 bantams, but now her best buddy is attacking her and drawing blood.

I have washed the comb again and applied antiseptic ointment.
I have separated the two girls- the injured one in the hen house with her own food and water and the other in the run with a box of hay plus food and water.

Neither of them are happy with this arrangement!

Oh dear. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

I usually separate one in a wire dog crate with food and water, and a layer of pine shavings. That way they can be in the same area and see one another. The swelling itself can attract some pecking. If you can have a daily or more supervised visit letting them together, but watch for pecking, it will keep them familiar and not need to be reintroduced.

 

[Vita1910]

It’s not yet 4 pm here in the UK but it’s getting dark and the hens are ready for bed.
Do you advise keeping them separated overnight as well?

I have managed to divide the run so they are separate but can still see each other and I have closely supervised them roaming the garden. So far so good. Fingers crossed.

 

[Vita1910]

One week on I thought I'd give an update on my poor hen's condition.
The comb is still red and swollen, but at least it's no longer hot to touch. She's active and eating and drinking well.
I'm keeping her separate from my other pekin bantam both at night and in the day. I'm spraying her with an antimicrobial spray several times a day.
I honestly didn't think she'd survive this time last week, so I am very relieved. However I would like to see the swelling reduced and her appearance back to normal soon. Is there anything else you'd recommend?

 

[alinas2010]

One week on I thought I'd give an update on my poor hen's condition.
The comb is still red and swollen, but at least it's no longer hot to touch. She's active and eating and drinking well.
I'm keeping her separate from my other pekin bantam both at night and in the day. I'm spraying her with an antimicrobial spray several times a day.
I honestly didn't think she'd survive this time last week, so I am very relieved. However I would like to see the swelling reduced and her appearance back to normal soon. Is there anything else you'd recommend?

I’m glad she’s showing a little improvement. Would you be able to post pictures again? Good pictures of the scabbed area, please. She may have pus that needs to be removed, hopefully an educator will chime in with expert advice. Is she still inside with you? Is she eating and drinking? Do you have access to any antibiotics incase she might need them?